Red Cross faces critical blood shortage

William Barndollar, of Shelby, gave blood for the 144th time at a blood drive at the Richland Mall on Oct 30. Dave Polcyn/News Journal William Barndollar of Shelby, gave blood for the 144th time Wednesday at a blood drive at the Richland Mall, Oct 30th, 2012. That is a total of 18 gallons donated through the Red Cross.(Photo: Dave Polcyn)

The Red Cross issued an emergency call for blood and platelet donations in early July and experienced a 30 percent increase in blood donation appointments through mid-July, but more donors are still needed. Nearly 61,000 fewer blood donations than needed were given through the Red Cross in May

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals must be 17 or older, or 16 with parental consent; weigh at least 110 pounds; and be in generally good health.